Have you ever wondered how to turn your everyday grocery shopping into significant savings at the gas pump? Well, you've come to the right place! Kroger's Fuel Points program is a fantastic loyalty initiative that rewards you for the purchases you already make. It's a simple, yet powerful, way to shave cents – and even dollars – off every gallon of gas you buy.
Forget complicated rebate forms or tedious sign-ups for multiple programs. Kroger has streamlined the process, making it incredibly easy to earn and redeem your way to cheaper fuel. Ready to unlock the secrets of maximizing your gas savings? Let's dive in!
Understanding the Kroger Fuel Points Program: Your Path to Cheaper Gas
The Kroger Fuel Points program is designed to reward your loyalty. Essentially, for every dollar you spend at Kroger and its family of stores, you earn points. These points then translate into discounts per gallon at participating fuel centers. It's like your grocery cart is directly contributing to your gas tank!
Step 1: Get Your Kroger Shopper's Card or Digital Account – Your Key to Earning Points!
Feeling excited to start saving? The very first and most crucial step is to ensure you have a Kroger Shopper's Card or a linked digital account. This is how Kroger tracks your purchases and allocates your Fuel Points.
Sub-heading: Obtaining Your Shopper's Card
If you don't have one already, you can easily pick up a physical Shopper's Card at any Kroger Family of Stores customer service desk. It's quick, free, and instantly links you to the program.
Sub-heading: Creating a Digital Account
For ultimate convenience and to access additional features like digital coupons and personalized offers, we highly recommend creating a digital account on the Kroger website or through their mobile app.
Visit Kroger.com or download the Kroger app.
Look for the "Create Account" or "Sign Up" option.
Follow the prompts to enter your information. If you already have a physical Shopper's Card, you'll be prompted to link it to your new digital account. This ensures all your past and future points are consolidated.
Step 2: Earning Fuel Points – Every Purchase Counts!
Now that you're armed with your Shopper's Card or linked digital account, it's time to start accumulating those valuable Fuel Points! The beauty of this program is that you earn points on items you'd typically buy anyway.
Sub-heading: Groceries – Your Everyday Earnings
For most groceries purchased in-store or online (pickup or delivery), you earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent. This is the bread and butter (pun intended!) of earning points.
Watch out for special bonus Fuel Point promotions! Kroger frequently offers promotions where certain items or categories earn extra points, such as 2x, 3x, or even 4x the points. Keep an eye on your weekly ad, the Kroger app, and in-store signage for these lucrative opportunities.
Sub-heading: Prescriptions – Health & Savings Combined
Did you know your pharmacy visits can also contribute to your fuel savings?
You can earn 25 Fuel Points for non-federally funded prescriptions.
For federally funded prescriptions, you'll earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 of your out-of-pocket costs.
Even better, you can earn 75 Fuel Points for each 90-day prescription!
Sub-heading: Gift Cards – A Secret Weapon for Maximizing Points
This is where many savvy shoppers supercharge their Fuel Point earnings!
Generally, you earn 2 Fuel Points for each $1 spent on most gift cards.
Even better, Kroger often runs promotions where you can earn 4X or even 5X fuel points on select gift cards. This means a $100 gift card could net you 400 or 500 Fuel Points!
Think strategically: Do you have upcoming purchases at other retailers, restaurants, or online services? Consider buying gift cards for those places at Kroger when there's a bonus points promotion. This turns your planned spending into fuel savings.
Important Note: Be aware that Kroger Family of Stores Gift Cards, Green Dot prepaid reloadable products, MoneyPaks, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard variable load gift cards are typically excluded from earning Fuel Points.
Sub-heading: Other Ways to Earn
Some Kroger affiliates (like Mariano's) may offer specific ways to earn points.
Certain special events or seasonal promotions can also offer bonus points.
Step 3: Tracking Your Fuel Points – Stay Informed!
Knowing your current Fuel Point balance is key to planning your next fill-up. Kroger makes this easy:
Sub-heading: Checking Your Receipt
After every shopping trip, your receipt will display your current Fuel Points balance and how many points you earned from that specific transaction.
Sub-heading: Using the Kroger App or Website
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive overview, use the Kroger mobile app or log in to your digital account on their website.
On the app, look for a section like "Fuel Points" or "Rewards."
This will show you your total accumulated points, how many you have for the current month, and when they expire.
Step 4: Understanding Fuel Point Expiration – Don't Let Them Go to Waste!
This is a critical detail to remember: Kroger Fuel Points expire.
Fuel Points typically expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. For example, points earned in July will expire on August 31st.
Monthly balances do not combine across months. Each month is a separate earning period. This means you can't carry over unused points from one month to the next to build up a massive discount. You need to use the points earned in a given month (or the previous month, as explained below) before they expire.
Step 5: Redeeming Your Fuel Points – The Moment of Savings!
This is the exciting part – turning your accumulated points into real money off your gas!
Sub-heading: Where to Redeem
You can redeem your Fuel Points at:
Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers (Kroger, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, etc.)
Participating Shell locations (in many areas). Use the Kroger app or website's store locator to find participating stations near you.
Sub-heading: How Discounts Work
Every 100 Fuel Points earned is valid for a 10¢ off per gallon discount.
So, 100 points = 10¢ off/gallon, 200 points = 20¢ off/gallon, and so on.
At Kroger Fuel Centers, you can redeem up to 1,000 Fuel Points for $1 off per gallon. This means you could potentially save a dollar per gallon!
Fuel points are redeemable in 100-point increments.
Sub-heading: The Redemption Process at the Pump
Redeeming your points is surprisingly straightforward.
At a Kroger Fuel Center:
Swipe your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID (usually your phone number associated with your account).
The pump will then prompt you with your available Fuel Point discounts. You'll typically have options:
Choose to redeem the full amount of points available for the previous month (if any).
Choose to redeem the full amount of points available for the current month.
Enter a specific amount you want to use in 10¢ per gallon increments (e.g., if you have 500 points, you could choose to use 300 for a 30¢ discount).
If you don't have enough points for a discount or prefer not to use them, you can still get a 3¢ per gallon discount just for being a loyalty member and scanning your card.
Select your desired discount and proceed to pump your gas.
The discount applies to a maximum of 35 gallons per single fill-up.
At a Participating Shell Location:
Enter your Alt ID (phone number) or swipe your Fuel Rewards® card (if you have one linked).
Follow the pump prompts to select your Fuel Points discount. Typically, Shell locations will apply 10¢ off per gallon for every 100 points.
Sub-heading: Using Kroger Pay for Seamless Redemption
For an even smoother experience, consider using Kroger Pay within the Kroger app.
Set up Kroger Pay in the app by linking your payment method and Shopper's Card.
When at the pump, open the Kroger app, tap "Kroger Pay," and select "Use at the Pump."
Enter your pump number, confirm your fuel discount and payment type, and you're good to go! This automatically applies your loyalty information and coupons.
Step 6: Advanced Tips for Maximizing Your Savings – Become a Fuel Point Pro!
You're already on your way to saving, but here are some pro tips to squeeze even more value out of the Kroger Fuel Points program:
Sub-heading: Strategic Gift Card Purchases
Always check for 4X or 5X Fuel Point promotions on gift cards. These are the fastest ways to accumulate points. Buy gift cards for places you already frequent, like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, or your favorite restaurants.
Holiday and birthday shopping: Stock up on gift cards during these bonus point periods for gifts, and earn points for yourself!
Sub-heading: Consolidate Your Shopping
Try to do the majority of your grocery shopping at Kroger Family of Stores. The more you spend, the more points you earn.
Sub-heading: Look for Digital Coupons and Offers
Kroger frequently offers digital coupons that can save you money on your groceries, further enhancing your overall savings strategy. These are typically loaded directly to your Shopper's Card via the app or website.
Sub-heading: Consider the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
If you're a frequent Kroger shopper, the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® can offer additional benefits, such as 2% cash back on Kroger Family of Companies purchases and bonus Fuel Points (e.g., an extra 25¢ or even 55¢ off per gallon for a limited time when you redeem at least 100 Fuel Points). This can stack with your regular Fuel Points!
Sub-heading: The Kroger Boost Membership
For even more dedicated Kroger shoppers, the Kroger Boost membership (a paid annual subscription) offers free next-day or same-day delivery and 2X fuel points on groceries and general merchandise. If you utilize delivery or pickup frequently, this membership can pay for itself quickly in fuel savings alone.
Sub-heading: Fill Up to the Maximum
The discount applies up to 35 gallons. If you have two cars, consider filling them both in one transaction (if allowed at the pump and safe to do so) to utilize the full 35-gallon limit and maximize your per-fill-up savings. You can also use fuel jugs for lawnmowers or other equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my Kroger Fuel Points balance?
You can check your Fuel Points balance on your most recent Kroger receipt, or by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app.
How to use Kroger Fuel Points at the pump?
At a Kroger Fuel Center or participating Shell station, swipe your Shopper's Card or enter your Alt ID (phone number). The pump will then prompt you to select your desired Fuel Point discount from the available options.
How to earn more Kroger Fuel Points quickly?
Focus on buying gift cards during 4X or 5X Fuel Point promotions, consolidate your grocery shopping at Kroger, and look for special bonus point offers on specific products.
How to know when my Kroger Fuel Points expire?
Fuel Points expire on the last day of the month after they are earned. Your digital account and receipts will typically show the expiration date for your points.
How to link my Shopper's Card to my Kroger digital account?
If you have a physical Shopper's Card, you can link it when you create your digital account on the Kroger website or app. If you already have a digital account, go to your profile information and look for an option to add or edit your Shopper's Card number.
How to get a Kroger Shopper's Card?
You can get a physical Shopper's Card for free at any Kroger Family of Stores customer service desk.
How to get a discount on gas without enough Fuel Points?
Even if you don't have enough Fuel Points for a discount, simply scanning your Shopper's Card or entering your Alt ID at a Kroger Fuel Center will typically give you a standard 3¢ per gallon discount.
How to combine Fuel Points from different months?
Kroger Fuel Points do not combine across months; each month is a separate earning period. You must redeem points from a given month (or the previous month) before they expire.
How to use Kroger Pay for fuel?
Open the Kroger app, tap "Kroger Pay," select "Use at the Pump," and enter your pump number. The app will guide you through confirming your fuel discount and payment method, then you can start pumping.
How to find participating Shell locations for Kroger Fuel Points?
You can find participating Shell locations by using the "Find a Store" or "Fuel" locator tool on the Kroger website or mobile app.
